A novel local adipofascial flap for the management of recalcitrant ulnar tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Ulnar tunnel syndrome is the second most common upper-limb peripheral nerve compression syndrome. Recurrence or persistence of symptoms after primary surgery is found in 9.9%–21% of cases. The main cause of failure is peri- and endo-neural fibrosis, and management is difficult and controversial. Revision of nerve neurolysis combined with freestyle adipofascial flap provides nerve decompression and coverage with vascularized tissue, which prevents scar tissue formation around the nerve and restores glide. We performed a preliminary vessel-injected cadaver study. The perforating vessels from the posterior recurrent ulnar artery vascularize the medial adipose and fascial tissues of the elbow, allowing elevation of an adipofascial flap which is able to reach the ulnar nerve. Eight patients with neuropathic ulnar nerve pain in recalcitrant ulnar tunnel syndrome due to peri- and/or endo-neural fibrosis were treated by neurolysis, and the nerve was covered with an ulnar adipofascial flap. All patients were evaluated by percussion test, visual analog scale for pain, electromyography, electroneurography and ultrasound, and were classified according to the McGowan classification as modified by Goldberg. The study was approved by the review board. All patients had good 4-year outcome, with complete return to daily activity, work and sports 4 months after surgery. The results of this novel surgical technique were encouraging, without complications or donor site morbidity. Adipofascial flap combined with neurolysis could be a valid solution in the treatment of recalcitrant ulnar tunnel syndrome.